52 Containers of Foreign Goods Seized Due to Import License Delays to Be Auctioned by Interim Government

The interim government will auction 52 containers of foreign goods that arrived at ports before obtaining permits, due to the interim government's import license restrictions and limitations, according to an announcement by the auction committee today, July 23. These foreign goods, which arrived at Asia World Port Terminal (AWPT), Myanmar Industrial Port (MIP), and Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa (MITT) in Yangon, were confiscated as public property, citing that they were imported before obtaining license approval, and will be auctioned as they are, according to the current situation. Currently, in applying for import licenses to the interim government, due to delays in obtaining permits and license suspensions, business owners have been importing goods first, considering the long sea travel time, and if goods arrive before the license is issued, there are cases where goods are released after paying a penalty, according to representatives of import/export businesses. "During this period, we have to operate as if we are getting what we can, as licenses are not being issued. Many of those currently confiscated are by original owners who have followed procedures. Some also imported a mix of goods with and without licenses. If found during inspection, they are confiscated. If we wait for the license to be issued before importing goods, it will take longer. Since it takes months for shipments by sea, goods arrive first, and if the license application is not approved, they are confiscated, and then redeemed. We are operating amidst such difficulties," a representative of import/export businesses told the Irrawaddy Times. The interim government has formed administrative committees to take action against individuals and companies that import goods from abroad without obtaining licenses, and the committee for the auction and sale of these confiscated goods is advertising and reselling them. Similarly, the Customs Department has announced that new batteries, packaging materials, speakers, and spare parts for motor vehicles, which have been confiscated as public property, will be auctioned externally on July 30. The interim government's policies of "promoting domestic production and replacing imports" do not align with the actual needs of the public, leading to shortages of goods and forcing the public to bear the burden of exorbitant price increases. In 2024, SUCCESS brand flour, frozen squid, and potassium nitrate (chemical substances) contained in 22 containers were auctioned, and investigations revealed that expired goods were included.